funwithgts.comThe state Attorney General's office alleges that Global Travel Solutions, LLC, of Bergen County made false or misleading claims on its website and in sales pitches.

A Bergen County-based travel agency faces mounting scrutiny as its former customers come forward following an investigation by the state Attorney General's office.

The Star-Ledger reported Monday that the state had filed a civil suit against Global Travel Solutions LLC and its owner, Jason Krieck, for allegedly defrauding customers of promised vacation packages and benefits.

More than 54 customers had filed reports with the Division of Consumer Affairs claiming they had paid anywhere from $995 to $8,500 for Global Travel Solutions memberships, plus a $29.95 monthly fee. In return, they were allegedly promised hefty discounts and other perks on vacation travel and accommodations — promises that didn't match up with what they ended up getting.

“The pitch that appealed to us was the fact that you could get vacations for 80 percent less than you would at a normal travel agency and, of course, that free cruise,” he said.

Bryant never got a free cruise, and neither did many other customers, according to the Attorney General's office and the state Division of Consumer Affairs. The agencies released a lengthy statement outlining the company's alleged offenses.

“According to our lawsuit, the defendants lured consumers into purchasing memberships through empty promises of discounted vacation services and free cruises and airfare, all with the purpose of defrauding consumers and enriching themselves,” Consumer Affairs director Thomas R. Calcagni said in the statement. “We allege that consumers paid significant money for sham memberships that were essentially worthless. In fact, consumers could find lower vacation travel prices through free internet sites.”

The state alleged that Global Travel Solutions made false promises of free cruises, "lifetime memberships" that could be transferred to members' heirs after their death and access to the "GUARANTEED Lowest Prices" on over 100,000 hotels. The company is also accused of making charges on customers' credit cards before memberships had been finalized and after they had been cancelled.

The Record reported that on Tuesday, a Superior Court judge ordered most of the company's assets frozen. The company also agreed to suspend advertising or selling memberships.

The company's website was still active Wednesday morning, but was not accepting new user registration. A phone number listed on the site was still in service, but no company representatives answered calls.